AkaSci 🛰️Apr 15, 2025

I am disappointed at the visceral negative reaction at the all-female crew of the Blue Origin NS-31 flight.

Granted not all of them are scientists or astronauts, but should we not admire or encourage female non-scientists? Granted some of them are rich good-looking celebrities, but they have a large young following. What's the harm if they spread some joy and science among the youth?

Have we become too cynical? Do we instinctively look for faults, esp. among women?

https://www.blueorigin.com/news/new-shepard-ns-31-mission
1/n

Blue Origin’s New Shepard Rocket Completes 31st Mission To Space | Blue Origin

Blue Origin successfully completed its 11th human spaceflight for the New Shepard program. The crew included Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyễn, Gayle King, Katy Perry, Kerianne Flynn, and Lauren Sánchez.

Blue Origin
Show threadMrs RavenApr 15, 2025

@AkaSci

Women are getting fired from NASA, women's contributions are being erased, and Bezos sending the Kardashians into space just doesn't sit right.

The reaction isn't visceral.

Show threadSmitha 🌸🌋🎻Apr 16, 2025
@cassandracorvid @AkaSci Who among them would you consider Kardashian-esque? I mean, yes, this is femmewashing and not comparable to an all-female NASA mission. But language like this is a bit misogynistic. They’re rich celebs, taking just the latest ride on an obnoxiously rich celeb’s “spacecraft” vanity project. There’s no expectation of substance here, or with anything related to Blue Origin.
Show threadMrs Raven

@smitha

I'm ok with comparing a group of non-astronauts in skin-tight jump suits Kardashians.

Block me and move on. I am unapologetic about criticizing Bezos replacement of actual scientists and engineers with these Dancing with the Stars rejects.

@AkaSci

Apr 16, 2025 at 1:39amWeb